Issues
Consumer Protections Competition in Radio and Concert Industry
During
the debate of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, I joined a
number of my colleagues in opposing the deregulation of radio
ownership rules because of concerns about the impact on consumers,
artists, and local radio stations. Since its passage, the
effects of the Telecommunications Act have been far worse
than even I imagined.
The elimination of the national radio ownership caps and relaxation
of local ownership caps in that legislation have triggered
a wave of consolidation and caused harm to consumers, artists,
concert goers, local radio station owners and promoters. This
legislation did not simply raise the national ownership limits
on radio stations – it eliminated them all together.
A diverse range of people are rightly concerned about the
effects of concentration and consolidation in the radio and
concert industries. Concert goers have told me about higher
ticket prices. Broadcasters, artists, and others in Wisconsin
and across the country have told me about reduced diversity
and localism in the music industry. And local businesses have
spoken about anti-competitive behaviors that have put them
on an unfair playing field.
On November 18, 2005, I reintroduced S.
0258 , the Competition in Radio and Concert Industries
Act of 2005, which I first introduced in June of 2002 and
reintroduced in June of 2003. My bill would help restore competition
to the radio and concert industry by putting independent radio
stations and concert promoters on a more equal footing. This
will help promote competition in the industry, enhance local
input and diversity, and promote consumer choices.
Restoring
Competition to the Radio and Concert Industry
Protecting
the Bankruptcy System
Eliminating
Mandatory Arbitration Clauses In Consumer Contracts
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